As predicted, dragonflies have been steadily emerging from the deep. I’ve seen numerous Common Whitetails and Common Baskettails, fresh out of their nymphal skins, fly off to a safe place to further dry and harden before starting their life cycles anew; feeding, mating, and ovipositing in the Wetlands.

Hatchling Yellow-bellied Sliders continue to be seen hiking down the paths and trails of the Museum heading for the Wetlands or other suitable bodies of water in which to take up residence.

After seeing a Cooper’s Hawk the previous week, another (probably the same bird) was observed soaring over the Wetlands on 23 March. Does this mean that they are nesting in the woods near the Train Tunnel again this year?

And finally, Gus, Yona, and Mimi took advantage of the fine weather last week to have a splash party in the pool in front of the Black Bear Enclosure.

Gus, who is usually reluctant to get even his feet wet, was up to his neck in the cool water mixing it up with Mimi. The water in the photo below is well over either of their heads.

Looks like fun!